The Long Sigh (Pt. 2)

 

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30 ESV).

 

I hope you were able to read yesterday’s devotional. It sets the stage for the next few days as we explore some practical ways to enter into the rest Jesus offers to all believers. Today I want to call your attention to the beginning of our reading. Jesus says, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children” (v. 25). The contrast between “the wise and understanding” and “little children” is very important. The picture I’ve attached today is self explanatory in many ways. It is a young child sleeping on their parent’s chest.

 

I remember those days very well even though my sons are much older now. It was especially true with my oldest son, Kyle. He would have been diagnosed with reflux today though nearly five decades ago all we knew was his most comfortable sleeping position was on my chest as I reclined in a chair. I’m told that was true because it provided warmth and the right position for him to digest his food properly without discomfort. Regardless, we found out very quickly that the only way for him to sleep without waking was to place him on my chest; at least this position gave both of us some measure of sleep, even if he got a better night’s sleep than I did.

 

This is the contrast Jesus draws on in His comparison to the “wise and understanding” and the “children.” So, often I have found that it is much more difficult for me to be at rest when I over think my circumstances. The truth is I tend to trust myself and my personal strength first rather than turn to the waiting arms of my Savior. We all tend to be “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” kind of people when facing any difficult circumstance. The first practical application in finding the long sigh of rest is to go to Jesus first. That means we recognize His strength working in our life for good, even when it is counterintuitive. Practically this looks like an intentional focus on perseverance rather than escape or avoidance!